InterHab
Our Story
Independence. Inclusion. Innovation.
For more than 50 years, InterHab has worked to improve the lives of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 1969, community service professionals formed an alliance with skilled family advocates to form the Kansas Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (“KARF”). They came together to collaborate for the extension of civil rights to Kansans with IDD. From time immemorial to that point in time, Kansans with IDD and their families had suffered profound isolation and discrimination. Through KARF’s efforts to raise public awareness of developmental disabilities and the value of investing in home and community-based services, Kansas led a national movement towards de-institutionalization.
Now called InterHab, the association has become the predominant voice in Kansas for persons with IDD, their families, and the providers of services and supports needed to live independently and inclusively. We continue to educate lawmakers and communities about the benefits of community inclusivity. Our 40+ member organizations have long been the vanguard of innovation for community-based services and employment opportunities for Kansans with IDD. In the last few years, InterHab has been instrumental in securing needed funding for IDD services in Kansas.
“We continue to educate lawmakers and communities about the benefits of community inclusivity.”
We Believe
- In the inherent dignity of all individuals.
- Community services, employment, and housing should be available to Kansans, regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disability.
- Community services should reflect the needs of the individual, and that they should reflect a reasonable response to the whole community’s needs.
- Supports and services for Kansans with IDD should be available in their respective communities or geographic regions of choice.
- Government, businesses and IDD service providers should form partnerships to create and promote employment opportunities for Kansans with IDD.
- We are all responsible for advocating against discrimination through education and training, promoting needed supports and services, and providing resources to assist individuals to live as independently as possible.
STAFF
Matt Fletcher | Executive Director
Matt has spent his career dedicated to health and human services in Kansas, including over two decades in support of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That experience includes work within the IDD service field where he was responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery to more than 400 persons with I/DD. Matt previously worked for InterHab for 16 years, serving as Associate Director, and returned to InterHab in 2018 to assume the Executive Director position. Matt, his wife Erin and their son Theodore live in Topeka.
Meghan Shreve | Associate Director
As of September 2024, Meghan transitioned to the role of Associate Director at InterHab, where she now focuses to advance InterHab’s legislative and policy initiatives, works to influence public policy, and fosters relationships with key stakeholders. Previously, Meghan served as the Director of Education and Communications since 2018, where she managed the development and implementation of educational and training programs, including the annual conference, and oversaw all communications efforts for the organization. Meghan holds a degree in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas, which she earned in 2006. Her passion for her alma mater is evident in her enthusiastic support as a devoted Jayhawk fan. Outside of her professional life, Meghan cherishes spending time with her family, including her husband Brandon and their children, thirteen-year-old Maci and four-year-old Holden.
Janet Middendorf | Director of Member Services
Janet has been with us for more than 20 years and keeps her finger on the pulse of all things InterHab! As Director of Member Services, she handles accounting, membership and meeting planning. Janet attended both Highland Community College and Allen County Community College, but ultimately got her business accounting certificate from Johnson County Community College. When she can sneak away from the office, she is most likely enjoying the sun on a lake or traveling to the Caribbean.
Travis Walsh | Training and Development Coordinator
Travis joined the InterHab team in October 2024 as the Training and Development Coordinator. With extensive experience in coordination and a background in membership associations, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role and is passionate about developing others while fostering growth within the organization. Travis earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Kansas, where he proudly embraced his Jayhawk roots and continues to cheer on his teams. Outside of work, he and his wife, Sara, are enjoying the early stages of building their family, having recently welcomed their son, Niles, and daughter, Ellison.